Moana Pasifika v Blues

[Duluth]

Pasifika will be fired up for this one just like last year

How much rotation will the Blues go for? I'm hoping it's not most of the team. Again Pasifika will be up for this.. plus I think you learn more about players when they are sprinkled in amongst the top side

There's also the Force at Eden Park next week

No need to rush back Sullivan back. Possibly RI can have another week to get over the head knock

This is the top five Blues players by minutes played. I would expect most of these guys to miss either this week or next

[george33]

Coles, AJ, Reiko, Plummer, Tanguitu, Perofeta, Christie, Akira, Segner, Choat, Pat, Beehre, Angus,Eklund, Ofa
That's my thinking the starting 16

[nzzp]

@Duluth definitely for the tight forwards - outside backs and 10s have lower impacts typically

[Duluth]

@nzzp said in Moana Pasifika v Blues:

@Duluth definitely for the tight forwards - outside backs and 10s have lower impacts typically

Yeah and the backs are still struggling to nail their timing.

I do want to see guys like Cashmore, Gordon, Grindlay & Tangitau in the next couple of weeks. Maybe they get introduced from the bench?

Funaki needs to start soon too. Christie gets subbed very late (if at all) in big games. We need to be able to trust the sub

[African Monkey]

Real unique fixture this one. It looks like a mismatch on paper but there's a bit of feeling in these games and Moana always get up for this. It has a local derby feel about it where no matter where the sides are coming, that goes out the window for this very game.

Blues obvious favorites but hopefully like previous matches, it ends up being a good tough game.

[nzzp]

Blues in the away dressing room at Eden Park? Weird

[Machpants]

@george33 said in Moana Pasifika v Blues:

Coles, AJ, Reiko, Plummer, Tanguitu, Perofeta, Christie, Akira, Segner, Choat, Pat, Beehre, Angus,Eklund, Ofa
That's my thinking the starting 16

Bold strategy, let's see if it pays off

[ruggabee]

The ex-All Blacks Sevens and NZ U20s flyer waiting in the wings for Blues

Caleb Tangitau may have only just turned 21 but he’s already lived out some incredible rugby dreams.

[Duluth]

IOANE RETURNS AS BLUES CELEBRATE MILESTONES — Blues Rugby

It’s home away from home this weekend for the Blues as they play an ‘away’ match against Moana Pasifika at Eden Park in Round Six of DHL Super Rugby Pacific action, kicking off at 4:35pm on Saturday. Blues Hooker, Ricky Riccitelli, is set to play his 100th Super Rugby match from the bench this week

1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi
2 Soane Vikena
3 Marcel Renata
4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c)
5 Laghlan McWhannell
6 Anton Segner
7 Adrian Choat
8 Hoskins Sotutu
9 Finlay Christie * 50th Blues game
10 Stephen Perofeta
11 Caleb Clarke
12 Bryce Heem
13 Rieko Ioane
14 Mark Tele’a
15 Corey Evans

16 Ricky Riccitelli *100th Super Rugby game
17 Joshua Fusitu’a
18 Angus Ta’avao
19 Josh Beehre
20 Akira Ioane
21 Sam Nock
22 Harry Plummer
23 Cole Forbes

[Duluth]

Good, not too much rotation

[Duluth]

Moana Pasifika name team for battle of the 09 – Moana Pasifika

[Daffy Jaffy]

While it is good that they are showing MP respect with a strong team (after last seasons close finish) I would have liked to see Sheck, Rush, Grindlay and Tangitau involved in the 23 for this week. Or maybe 2 of them this week and 2 next week.

[Daffy Jaffy]

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon

[African Monkey]

Better Moana team they've put out this week with Savage a massive bonus at lineout time. Savea also makes a difference for them in the midfield with his ability to crash.

Glad to see the Blues put out a strong team too, and look forward to see Evans at the back.

[KiwiMurph]

Pleased to see Segner involved and Evans given a chance at 15. Likewise Vikena this season has shown some positive signs he might be maturing so good to see him start.

Nice that Rieko has bounced back - that was a nasty head knock

[Kirwan]

Slightly better weather and surface than the Drua game.

[Kirwan]

Ref is letting so much go. MP dived on a ball in the ruck.

[KiwiMurph]

Christie error.... fucking hell

[Kirwan]

Ofa with a poor start

[Canes4life]

Few errors already from both sides. Been a round of plenty of errors across these games. No excuses with the conditions.